Latest News Articles by Matt Ball
‘Workhorse’ of the trade rides into the sunset after 70 years of toil
14 August 2023It’s the end of an era: Volvo will no longer sell its estates or saloon cars in the UK, choosing to market only its SUVs.
Black Forest chess set bid three times over estimate
24 July 2023Once thought to have been produced in the Black Forest region of Germany, chess sets like the one offered at Ewbank’s (30% buyer’s premium) on June 23, used to be called Luther sets.
Frazetta fantasy fuels bidding frenzy
10 July 2023Heritage Auctions (20% buyer’s premium) in Dallas broke the record again for what it terms “the most valuable original work of comic book or fantasy art” during its four-day Comics & Comic Art sale held on June 22-25.
Goodbye to all that… Ian McKay steps down from ATG duties
03 July 2023After 2600 issues Ian McKay is hanging up his much-used quill. The column on this week’s pages is his last for ATG.
Report reveals bidder views on timed sales
26 June 2023When it comes to timed online auctions, timing is everything.
Back in business
19 June 2023“I’ve got my diary open in front of me and all my fair dates have crosses against them” – so said one antiques dealer in January reacting to the shock closure of the Olympia and Masterpiece summer fairs.
Arts & Crafts: Known to be useful and believed to be beautiful
10 April 2023ATG considers the impact of the Arts & Crafts movement
Arts & Crafts previews including a single-owner collection at Catherine Southon
10 April 2023A round-up of Arts & Crafts pieces coming up at auction.
Fifteenth century friar's manual inspired by the game of chess
06 February 2023A 15th century first edition of a pioneering work by Johannes Gallensis surfaced at auction late last month.
Podcasts: Stay tuned for more art and antiques news
23 January 2023Auctioneers are taking to the airwaves to promote their businesses and demystify what happens in regional salerooms.
Review of Year 2022: Fairs in flux
12 December 2022Amid relief at pandemic restrictions being lifted and encouraging news of auction houses expanding, event organisers faced challenges of rising costs and the trade tackled increasing regulation and restitution demands
Super-rare cigarette card of legendary football star Steve Bloomer fuels five-figure bid
05 December 2022A rare cigarette card featuring one of England’s top goal-scorers sold for a spectacular £25,900.
Why a second-hand buy is a first-class acquisition
21 November 2022Is buying second-hand set for an unprecedented period of growth?
Asian Art In London Awards – 2022
24 October 2022Asian Art in London announced the winners of the first group of its awards last week.
Asian Art in London’s Indian & Islamic award winners announced
21 October 2022Asian Art in London has announced the winners of the first group of its annual awards.
Collector interview: Why a book was my next move
04 July 2022Collector of chess sets aims to help others starting out as well as more experienced enthusiasts
Classic cars: Why the pre-war era is seen as the golden years of motoring
20 June 2022The thirties became a period when mass production and Art Deco style combined to power cars to new heights of usage and popularity before war intervened
What's cheap, cheerful and under a grand?
11 April 2022Ask anyone about a special item they bought and they will usually start by telling you how they came to own it. Here the ATG team recounts the story of 15 purchases, each one for under £1000
ATG conference: Going, going… green and online
04 April 2022Auctioneers get together to hear the latest market trends and top tips for 2022